Kyrgiakos eyes late-career glory

Liverpool’s new Greek defender Sotirios Kyrgiakos plans to capitalise on his unexpected chance to be successful at the very highest level.

The 30-year-old central defender has signed a two-year contract at Anfield after a £2million move from AEK Athens.

Sotirios Kyrgiakos

“I am very happy to have this chance at Liverpool. I know I had just signed a new contract with AEK,” Kyrgiakos said. “But although it was a good contract, you never stop having ambitions in life, and that is why I am here.”

He added: “When you are approached by a club like Liverpool, it is an offer you just cannot refuse.

“I hope that I can bring my strength to this squad, I am good in the air and I have a lot of experience now, so I hope I can be of benefit to Liverpool.

“There are a lot of real quality players here, so I hope to add to their squad and I know they will help me settle down here.

“I have played for Rangers in Scotland and Frankfurt in Germany, that has given me a lot of experience of competitive leagues so I believe I will adapt quickly.”

Kyrgiakos is expected to be in Liverpool’s squad on Monday for the home league game against Aston Villa.

He said: “I do not know yet whether I will be playing on Monday against Aston Villa, that is up to the manager, but I will be ready if needed.

“I know that there have not been many Greek players who have been successful in the English game, so I feel that I have something to prove for my country, that we can play at this level.”